Martin Short to perform for the Lucy Town Half Marathon and 5k

April 30, 2013

JAMESTOWN - Chau-tauqua Striders, the James-town Savings Bank Arena and the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy are proud to announce that legendary comedian Martin Short will be the featured performer for Lucy Town Half Marathon and 5k weekend. Short will take his critically acclaimed act to the stage of the Reg Lenna Civic Center on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Short is widely known for his work in comedy, particularly through Second City Television and Saturday Night Live, where he is both a former cast member and a three-time host (which recently earned him a spot in the 5-timers club in the SNL episode hosted by Justin Timberlake).

He has starred in such iconic comedy films as Three Amigos, Mars Attacks!, Father of the Bride Parts I and II, and has created the characters of Jiminy Glick and Ed Grimley.

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Martin Short

Most recently, Short hosted the Saturday Night Live Christmas 2012 Special, was named by Vanity Fair in its January 2013 issue as "Hollywood's Most Beloved Comedian" and is working with Lorne Michaels to create a new television show on NBC.

"I've personally talked to a number of people about comedians they would be interested in seeing," said Kurt Silcott, CEO for the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. "People locally, people in Buffalo and places within driving distance. I've mentioned a number of names, but one name always came back a winner; every person I asked has told me that they would go to great lengths to see Martin Short. I recall him in the movie 'Innerspace' and I'm excited that he will be performing right here in Jamestown. I think we'll have people register for the race, simply to get the inside track to get tickets to his performance. We've seen the success of our Friday night comedy and I believe that Jamestown has a thirst for comedy."

"Martin Short is one of those rare entertainers I can mention to my son, my husband, and my father and all of them want tickets," said Deb Kathman, executive director for Chautauqua Striders. "His popularity crosses generations, which will make for a really fun show."

An exclusive pre-sale window is available to registered race participants only from now until June 31 by visiting LucyRace.com or calling the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy at 484-0800 during regular office hours (Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Registrants will be able to buy up to eight tickets at a time by entering a code received via e-mail after registering for either the 5k or half marathon online. Race registration is also available at LucyRace.com.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 1 at 10 a.m.

"Martin Short is one of the great entertainers of our era," said Journey Gunderson, executive director for the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy. "He's a legend. The chance to see him live in Jamestown, New York is once-in-a-lifetime."

Runners of all abilities will come to the Jamestown area on Oct. 12-13 (Columbus Day Weekend) for a weekend of events including a 5k run, a 13.1-mile half marathon, a sports expo at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, and a "Night of Comedy" featuring Martin Short. The 5k run will take place on Oct. 12, and the half marathon will take place on Oct. 13. The goal of the weekend is to promote a healthy lifestyle and the Jamestown area.

The USATF certified course, which begins and ends in Jamestown, runs through the neighboring towns of Lakewood and Celoron. The course travels near the childhood home of Jamestown's own Lucille Ball and the Lucille Ball Memorial Park.

David Reinhardt, competition director for Chautauqua Striders with 20 years expertise as a coach and track & field event organizer, will be consulting with USATF road racing colleagues from across the nation to put on a first class race in Jamestown. Reinhardt has organized many large athletic events, and as the Entry and Results Chair of the 2003 USATF Athletics National Championships in Buffalo, he oversaw the first ever online entry for more than 2,000 athletes.

Univera Healthcare is the presenting sponsor for the weekend's events.

Lucy Town organizers are still seeking groups or individuals to serve as event volunteers. No running experience necessary as there are a wide variety of roles needed for the weekend event. Positions may be available for a wide array of skills and interest, ranging from registering athletes and distributing information, to providing course side refreshments at water and food stations. For more information or to sign up, visit LucyRace.com